Cord Blood Plus Vitamin D and Omega 3s in T1D

Umbilical Cord Blood stem cells CAN be collected and frozen immediately after birth in private and public cord blood banks. If a child with recent onset T1D has their OWN cord blood in storage they may qualify for this study. The cells would be released to the University of Florida where we would perform a single IV infusion of the cells once they have been thawed and washed. Depending on how the cells are stored, it may be possible to keep some portion of the cells in storage for future use.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids commonly found in fish oil may play an important role in preserving beta cell function via their anti-inflammatory actions. Those subjects randomized to treatment will take a daily supplement supplied as a capsule that can either be swallowed whole or opened so the contents can be mixed with food.

Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and bone health but may also play an important role in promoting healthy immune responses. Subjects randomized to intervention will take vitamin D supplied as a liquid in a dropper (1 drop per day added to food) for 1 year.